Market Finds: 5 Affordable Coupés from 1972

5 Affordable Coupés from 1972

By Petrolicious
September 1, 2015

1972 was a pretty good year for affordable coupés. It was before the fuel crisis and after a decade that saw arguably some of the finest machines hit racetracks around the world. Naturally, these advances would filter down to cars for the discerning enthusiast.

If you’re looking for an affordable classic, 1972 isn’t a bad place to begin your search. Here are five from that year that caught our eye this week

The car: 1972 Volvo P1800 ES

Price: €22,500

Location: The Netherlands

Seller’s Info: Click here

With factory air conditioning and in always-lovely “Light Blue Metallic”, this Volvo shooting brake is seeing prices begin to climb—the days of a $5,000 P1800 are quickly fading. With overdrive, fogs, and shown in great condition, this is one of the few times an attainable price matches up with style and reliability.

The car: 1972 Lancia Fulvia 1.6 Rally

Price: €19,500

Location: Inquire

Seller’s Info: Click here

Originally a 1.3, this car was upgraded to rally specification, including two 42mm Weber carburetors, close-ratio 5-speed gearbox, racing seats, roll cage, trip computer—and a recent engine overhaul to ensure the 1.6-litre unit is performing as it should. There are few sensations analogous to a planted Fulvia on a twisty road

The car:1972 Porsche 911 2.4S Targa

Price: €149,000

Location: Denmark

Seller’s Info: Click here

OK, so 149,000 euro isn’t exactly lunch money, but if you’re looking for a classic Porsche 911, it’s what the price of entry has climbed to in many parts of the world. This example is fully-restored, with an uprated engine, full mechanical overhaul, refreshed interior, and Porsche Certificate of Authenticity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1972 was a pretty good year for affordable coupés. It was before the fuel crisis and after a decade that saw arguably some of the finest machines hit racetracks around the world. Naturally, these advances would filter down to cars for the discerning enthusiast.

If you’re looking for an affordable classic, 1972 isn’t a bad place to begin your search. Here are five from that year that caught our eye this week.

The car:
Price:
Location:
Seller’s Info:

1972 Volvo P1800 ES
€22,500
The Netherlands
Click here

With factory air conditioning and in always-lovely “Light Blue Metallic”, this Volvo shooting brake is seeing prices begin to climb—the days of a $5,000 P1800 are quickly fading. With overdrive, fogs, and shown in great condition, this is one of the few times an attainable price matches up with style and reliability.

   

The car:
Price:
Location:
Seller’s Info:

1972 Lancia Fulvia 1.6 Rally
€19,500
Inquire
Click here

Originally a 1.3, this car was upgraded to rally specification, including two 42mm Weber carburetors, close-ratio 5-speed gearbox, racing seats, roll cage, trip computer—and a recent engine overhaul to ensure the 1.6-litre unit is performing as it should. There are few sensations analogous to a planted Fulvia on a twisty road

   

 

The car:
Price:
Location:
Seller’s Info:

1972 Porsche 911 2.4S Targa
€149,000
Denmark
Click here

OK, so 149,000 euro isn’t exactly lunch money, but if you’re looking for a classic Porsche 911, it’s what the price of entry has climbed to in many parts of the world. This example is fully-restored, with an uprated engine, full mechanical overhaul, refreshed interior, and Porsche Certificate of Authenticity.

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Classicracecar
Classicracecar
7 years ago

I’m surprised that a 1972 Datsun wasn’t on this list 😛

Alistair Banks
Alistair Banks
9 years ago

A bit of a wildcard, but for me, I would be very tempted by a Fiat 130 coupe. Boxy, but oh so stylish and such presence.

Michael Matthews
Michael Matthews
9 years ago

Based on the title of the article why not suggest a 912 as the porsche option. The same physical beauty but actually comparable price wise?

Vincent Laurent
Vincent Laurent
9 years ago

A nice Triumph GT6 would totally do it as well ! I love this car !
Here’s a good one:
http://www.leboncoin.fr/voitures/833298838.htm?ca=12_s

Norbert Krasovski
Norbert Krasovski
9 years ago

Why i do not hear anybody mentioning such a gorgeous model as BMW e9 or 2002? Aren’t they still in affordable range? 🙂 I am still very happy with not such a vintage e30 bmw 3.20tdc (tripple dellorto carburettors 😀 )

Alistair Banks
Alistair Banks
9 years ago

Good shout on an E9, altough they are now very expensive.
I think the 2002 and E30 are always thought of as saloons, rather than coupes, although I am not really sure why. For example, makes a Fulvia a coupe, but a 2002 a saloon? I dunno….

Jono51
Jono51
9 years ago

If your budget doesn’t quite run to a Porsche, or even and Alfa, try one of the following:

Fiat 124 coupe (but watch for rust)
Triumph GT6 (not for tall people)
Datsun 1200 coupe (if you can find one)
Audi 100 Coupe (ditto)

or even an MGB GT …

Gavin Clark
Gavin Clark
9 years ago
Reply to  Jono51

Yes, by idea of ‘budget’ doesn’t quite stretch to a 70’s 911. Good shout on the Audi though – spotted this one yesterday….
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C654467

Guitar Slinger
Guitar Slinger
9 years ago
Reply to  Gavin Clark

Audi 100’s are a great big no no on my list . Between having all the reliability of a half dead Yugo , more rust issues than a 70’s Alfa and Porsche parts and service pricing they’re better off left to the greater fool with you looking for more enjoyable and affordable options . That is unless the idea of NOT driving your classic as well as emptying your wallet for the privilege is your idea of a good time .

Guitar Slinger
Guitar Slinger
9 years ago
Reply to  Jono51

” …. my MGB GT she’s a runner now .. my MGB GT ” … which is to say two thumbs up for that suggestion !

As to the rest here ? 912’s for over $160k ? Dubious on the best of days Fulvia’s ? Honestly the only two cars here even within the realms of realistic pricing are the P1800 ES and the Alfa and even they’re over valued for what they are as well as their overall long term desirability , collectibility and marketability .

Oh well … as I’ve said before when it comes to the insanity known as the Collectors Car Market [ or any other collectables market for that matter ]

The very essence of the ” Greater Fool Theory ” epitomized

And by the way ….. nothing on this list even approaches the meaning of the word ” Affordability ”

FYI ; $10k or less is ‘ affordable ‘ . Anything above that is an indulgence or an extravagance regardless of one’s income or overall net worth 😉

Christopher Gay
Christopher Gay
9 years ago
Reply to  Guitar Slinger

What he said.

I would not call anything over 10K “affordable”.

Baskingshark
Baskingshark
9 years ago
Reply to  Guitar Slinger

Fulvias are not dubious, mine never broke down once.

Edward Levin
Edward Levin
9 years ago

“Affordable” is obviously a relative term if it involves €149,000 911 Targas.

The Fulvia’s a great choice for the list. But this tarted-up example warrants some caution. Based on the serial numbers in the ad, the chassis is an S2 1,3S, but the engine type is 818.302, which is an 1.3 (either from an early S1 1,3 Coupé or an S2 berlina). A 1.6 would be type 818.540. The distributor cap is from a 1.3, not a 1.6. The carbs aren’t Webers; they’re clearly Solex. So there’s some reason to think the seller isn’t completely clear on what he’s offering. If it really does have a 1.6 engine, it’s a bargain, even with some dubious modifications; 1.6 engines are going for at least €10 these days. If the engine’s a 1.3 you could probably do better for the money.

Michael Banovsky
9 years ago
Reply to  Edward Levin

Ed, absolutely on the Porsche (hence the lunch money comment)!

We noticed a few oddities with it as well, but thought the Fulvia itself was a more important thought to put into people’s heads. What would a 1.3 run for a driver-quality example?

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